The Many Roles of the TL

"the school library must be organized and maintained according to professional standards" (UNESCO)

The TL must remain organized in order to operate the library effectively. The TL is responsible for resources, information management, teaching and the library as a whole.

Be able to work well with ALL staff members (school admin, fellow educators, other librarians and IT professionals) and members of school community (students, parents, community members) (UNESCO)

TLs need to keep up with the latest technological advances. New Web 2.0 tools, tablets and iPads, apps to download, etc. These tools need to in keep with the educational goals of the school and the TL. Be "willing to go where the users are, both online and in physical spaces" (Kingrss, A Librarian's 2.0 Manifesto). By exploring users' interests, and incorporating these interests into lessons, you can deepen the education the user receives.

In order to be aware of the various technologies and resources available to teachers and students, TLs must participate in a variety of PD. Sessions on Destiny, Dragon, Forest of Reading and other board library services are extremely helpful for TLs.

Be willing to create a website or forum where users can contribute their own ideas "in order to enhance their learning experience and provide assistance to their peers" (Kingrss, A Librarian's 2.0 Manifesto)

"Services must be accessible to all members of school community" (UNESCO); teachers and students in the school should be able to utilize learning commons/library to its' full advantage - be able to find books on certain topics, be able to see and reach books (at student's level)

Resources should be diverse and allow users to "access local, regional, national and global opportunities" (UNESCO). Resources should reflect the diversity of the school and commmunity and overall world.

Depending on the school's financial means, the TL is responsible for outfitting the school library with appropriate resources for the school community. These resources must align with the curriculum and in keep with student's interests.

TLs "must be competent in planning and teaching different information-handling skills to both teachers and students" (UNESCO). Do not "fear Google or related services, but rather...take advantage of these services to benefit users [of the library]" (Kingrss, A Librarian's 2.0 Manifesto)

TLs need to be open to any type of change in the library learning community (UNESCO). Take chances, make mistakes and get (reasonably and responsibly) messy! Trying new things before they are perfected and taking an experimental approach (Kingrss, A Librarian's 2.0 Manifesto) will only help students to be willing to do the same.

TLs should promote reading and strive to develop and sustain children in the habit of reading; fostering an enjoyment and love of reading and learning which encourages students to utilize libraries outside of school and in their future.